Warner Norcross + Judd has hired Marina Makanova as the Detroit law firm’s new chief operating officer.
Makanova brings more than two decades of operations and leadership experience in professional services firms to Warner. As COO, she will lead the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of Warner, a full-service law firm with 230-plus attorneys in nine offices across 15 industry groups and 18 specialized practice areas.
Her portfolio includes finance, information technology and security, human resources, marketing, business development, recruiting, and talent development. Makanova also will bring her expertise in strategic planning, process improvement, knowledge management, AI, and innovation to this new role.
“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Marina, who comes to Warner with truly impressive credentials,” says Mark Wassink, managing partner of Warner. “She has a proven track record of leading strategic initiatives that support national growth for stellar law and accounting firms in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.
“Marina has consistently emphasized exceptional client service – a cornerstone of our culture – as a guidepost in building high-performing teams and driving growth. We look forward to the many contributions she will make as our new executive director.”
Prior to joining Warner, Makanova served as the first CEO for Chicago-based Harrison, a new role charged with building the firm’s operational infrastructure during a period of significant growth and national expansion. Earlier in her career, Makanova served in various leadership roles at global and national law firms.
“I am honored to join Warner as its chief operating officer,” Makanova says. “I am energized to partner with leadership that shares a vision for sustainable growth and operational excellence. Together, we will empower our attorneys to serve clients even better, create opportunities for talented professionals to thrive and position the firm for sustained long-term success.”
Makanova earned a bachelor’s degree in international business from Central Michigan University, a master’s degree in organizational change management from The New School and an MBA in operations management from The Johns Hopkins University.
